This article is for parents and caregivers who are concerned about COVID-19 in their children and teens. It compiles expert guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides helpful links that may be of use to caregivers.
CHILDREN AND TEENS CAN GET COVID-19
While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, get sick from COVID-19 and spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Like adults, children who have COVID-19, but have no symptoms (asymptomatic), can still spread the virus to others.
Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19. They might require hospitalization, intensive care or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, they might die.
The CDC and its partners are investigating a rare but serious medical condition associated with COVID-19 in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). They do not yet know what causes MIS-C and who is at increased risk for developing it.
SOME CHILDREN ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE
Babies under 1 year old might be more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19. Other children, regardless of age, with the following underlying medical conditions might also be at increased risk of severe illness compared to other children:
- Asthma or chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Genetic, neurologic or metabolic conditions
- Sickle cell disease
- Heart disease since birth
- Immunosuppression (weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or being on medications that weaken the immune system)
- Medical complexity (children with multiple chronic conditions that affect many parts of the body, or are dependent on technology and other significant supports for daily life)
- Obesity
This list does not include every underlying condition that might increase the risk for severe illness in children. As more information becomes available, the CDC will continue to update and share information about the risk of severe illness among children. If your child has an underlying condition, make sure to discuss your child’s potential for getting very sick with their health care provider.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved